How to Shibori Tie Dye
Shibori is a Japanese resist dyeing technique that uses folds, binding, and sometimes stitching to achieve a pattern. Traditionally the techniques were used to dye cloth and kimono with natural indigo dyes. It makes great shirts, too!
MATERIALS:

Step 1: Lay fabric flat onto your surface.
Step 2: Accordion fold into a rectangle.
Step 3: Pinch and tie off fabric on one side using rubber bands in 3 equal sections.
Step 4: Repeat on the other side in staggered sections.
Step 5: Continue binding using string or rubber bands, working towards the center, until the fabric is a tight bundle of knots.
嵐 Arashi (Storm) Technique

Step 1: Lay fabric flat onto your surface.
Step 2: Roll a pipe or pole at a diagonal starting from one corner until all of the fabric is rolled up.
Step 3: Tightly tie one end of your twine in a double knot around the base of the pole.
Step 4: Wrap the twine around the fabric pole slowly going down. The tighter you wrap, the more contrasted the stripe. Every couple inches scrunch the fabric up to make a compact bundle.
Step 5: Repeat the wrapping, scrunching, and tightening until all the fabric is scrunched up at the end as much as possible.
DYEING PROCESS:
- White fabric (or fabric treated with color remover) pre-washed, 100% cotton works best, the more natural fibers the better
- Scissors
- Rubber bands, twine, pvc pipe or pole
- Bucket or large container for the dye bath (5 gallons or more)
- Dye (such as Rit All Purpose Dye), powdered or liquid
- Rubber gloves
- Spoon for stirring dye
- Metal tongs
- If dyeing cotton or linen, add 1 cup salt
- If dying wool or silk, add 1 cup white vinegar
蜘蛛 Kumo (Spider) Technique

Step 1: Lay fabric flat onto your surface.
Step 2: Accordion fold into a rectangle.
Step 3: Pinch and tie off fabric on one side using rubber bands in 3 equal sections.
Step 4: Repeat on the other side in staggered sections.
Step 5: Continue binding using string or rubber bands, working towards the center, until the fabric is a tight bundle of knots.
嵐 Arashi (Storm) Technique

Step 1: Lay fabric flat onto your surface.
Step 2: Roll a pipe or pole at a diagonal starting from one corner until all of the fabric is rolled up.
Step 3: Tightly tie one end of your twine in a double knot around the base of the pole.
Step 4: Wrap the twine around the fabric pole slowly going down. The tighter you wrap, the more contrasted the stripe. Every couple inches scrunch the fabric up to make a compact bundle.
Step 5: Repeat the wrapping, scrunching, and tightening until all the fabric is scrunched up at the end as much as possible.
DYEING PROCESS:
- Thoroughly wet the bundles of fabric and set aside.
- Prepare the dye bath. It’s best to do this outside, but if you dye inside, put down a drop cloth. Some dyes stain bathrooms so it’s best to be careful!
- Fill your bucket or container (large enough to fit all of your bundles of fabric) with 3-4 gallons of hot water.
- While wearing gloves, pre-dissolve 2 packets of powdered dye in 2 cups hot water then add to the bucket. If using liquid dye, you can just add the bottle to the bucket.
- Add 1 cup salt or vinegar (depends on your fabric) and stir well.
- Drop the wet bundles into the dye bath for 10-20 min, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the bundles with tongs, set aside for about 3 min., then stick back into the dye bath for another 10-20 min. Repeat one more time for a total of 3 dips. The more times the fabric goes into the dye bath, the more saturated the colors after you wash!
- Set the bundles on the side somewhere to dry for several hours (but don’t untie yet!). You can also leave them overnight.
- Untie your fabric bundles and rinse with lukewarm water until water runs clear. Hang to dry.
Loved this video and love the art of shibori. This is on my bucket list of things to do. Awesome job, April!!
Loved this story. Mahalo
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